How to Write a Motivation Letter With Tips and Examples

Motivation letter template
Below is a sample motivation letter template. You can customize this template based on your circumstances:

Dear Mr/Ms. [recipient's surname],

My name is [your name] and I am a [position/qualification/area of study]. I am writing to apply for a [scholarship/volunteer opportunity/place] at [name of organization].

I would love to [study/volunteer] with you because [reasons for wanting to study course or volunteer]. I am especially interested in your [school/nonprofit] because [reasons for choosing a particular organization].

I feel I would be an asset to your organization because I am [list of positive qualities]. I am also skilled in [list of positive skills] which I developed through [experiences or courses that taught you skills].

In conclusion, I hope to get the opportunity to [study/volunteer] with you at [name of organization]. Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Please contact me at [preferred contact details] if you have any questions for me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

This template provides space for the basic information your motivation letter requires. However, the best motivation letters have a personal touch. Customize this template by adding extra details and taking several sentences to explain your reasons for writing and personal assets. Personal anecdotes can help your motivation letter stand out.

Conclude your motivation letter
Write a conclusion to your motivation letter that summarizes your goal and leaves a positive final impression. You should also thank your recipient for considering your application and encourage them to contact you if they have any questions.

5. Proofread your motivation letter
Proofread your motivation letter to make it more concise and professional. Correct any spelling and grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. Edit information already listed in your application form or resume to ensure your motivation letter contains only unique information.

You may need to proofread your motivation letter several times to identify all problem areas. If time permits, complete this step two days or more after writing your motivation letter as time away from your work allows you to view it more objectively. To help ensure your letter has professional grammar and spelling, ask a trusted friend or family member to proofread your motivation letter after you.

Write an introduction
Write an introduction that introduces yourself to the recipient. Address your recipient by name, if possible, to give your motivation letter a personal touch. Your introduction should capture your recipient's attention and encourage them to read on, so include details about your achievements in this section.

3. Expand your outline for your body
Expand the points in your outline to form your motivation letter's body. Take a new paragraph for every new topic. Remember, your motivation letter aims to convince your recipient of your value, so use compelling facts to be persuasive.

Write an outline
Write a point-form outline noting the content of your motivation letter and its order. Write points covering the following topics:

Why you want to study the course or volunteer with the program
Your skills or qualities that will benefit the school or nonprofit
Why you are interested in the school or nonprofit organization
Think critically about whether you are including all relevant details. A motivation letter for a Ph.D. program will need more details about your experiences and specific future plans than a motivation letter for a bachelor's program, for example. Cross-reference your outline with information from the school or nonprofit organization to show you have the qualities and qualifications they are looking for. Assess your format and structure and determine whether moving points around would create a more logical flow.

Revise your outline until you are satisfied with it. You can reference your completed outline when writing your polished motivation letter to stay on track.

How to write a motivation letter
Writing a good motivation letter takes time, so make sure you methodically work through the steps to make yours the best possible. Allowing plenty of time to write your motivation letter ensures you include all the necessary content and follow each important step, including the following:

Write an outline.
Write an introduction.
Expand your outline for your body.
Conclude your motivation letter.
Proofread your motivation letter.

What is a motivation letter?
A motivation letter is a personal document detailing your professional skills and reasons for applying for a course of study, a scholarship or a volunteer job. This letter accompanies your application and supporting documents, such as a transcript of your grades or a resume. A motivation letter is sometimes called a "statement of purpose" or a "motivational letter."